Tag music

REVIEW: Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 and more

Reading Time: 2 minutesIt was a privilege to listen to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) on Thursday evening. Domingo Hindoyan conducted the already well-loved classical pieces Bacchus and Ariadne, Op. 43: Suite No.2 by Albert Roussel, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 in D minor, Op. 47 as well as  the exciting world premiere of Eleanor Alberga’s first piano concerto, performed by Leeds International Piano Competition 2021 winner Alim Baisembayev and the RLPO. 

REVIEW: London Schools Symphony Orchestra

Photo by David Monteith-Hodge

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe programme was well balanced, with a range of contemporary composers. The first piece, Nautilus by Anna Meredith (arr.Jack Ross), was a contemporary “genre-busting” introduction to the concert. This piece brought the Barbican to life with an energetic but sensitive performance from the young musicians. Enyi Okpara the LSSO’s Conductor in Residence for this year did a fantastic job of commanding the orchestra. With incredibly complex rhythms, the intense connection was evident between the orchestra and the conductor producing just the right dramatic effect. The booming brass and range of percussion made this a brilliant opener to the performance. 

REVIEW: I Should Be So Lucky

Photo by Marc Brenner

Reading Time: 2 minutesI Should Be So Lucky is a musical which centres around a young bride named Ella, jilted at the altar, who decides not to waste her honeymoon but instead takes her family and friends to the lovers’ paradise in Turkey. The plot was ridiculous, and became increasingly so as the show went on, but the show was undeniably packed with energy, glitter and fun.

REVIEW: SoundWalk: A City Full of Stories

Reading Time: 2 minutesA soundwalk is a guided walk exploring the intersection between location and sound. In this case, landmarks around Charing Cross are paired with orchestral music and lyrics. Starting at St. Martin in the Fields, A City Full of Stories takes participants around the hustle and bustle of London’s West End, and shows how quickly this can transition into serenity when you know the perfect side street to duck into. The resulting half hour provides a nice walk alongside a pleasing musical accompaniment.

REVIEW: Hits and Pieces #5 (Spice Girls)

Photo by Natasha Vasandani for Grey Beanie Productions

Reading Time: 2 minutesHits and Pieces #5 (Spice Girls), brought to life by the Matchstick Theatre Company, delivers a joyous and inventive concept where writers craft compelling narratives inspired by beloved songs. In its fifth edition, the spotlight shone brightly on the iconic Wannabe track by the Spice Girls, igniting a jubilant celebration of music and nostalgia.